The Complementary Role of Representations in Design Creativity: Sketches and Models

Abstract

This paper presents results and insights from a Current design practice\r\tand education paradigms\r\t\r\t\r\trecent study on the role that different types of assume that hand-made\r\tsketching and manual model-\r\t\r\t\r\trepresentations commonly used in design may have in making are essential\r\tskills for creative design \r\t\r\t\r\tcreativity. The impact of sketches and physical models in \r\t\r\t\r\tdesign creativity is analysed. Our study suggests that novelty (NASAD,\r\t2009). It is widely accepted that idea \r\t\r\t\r\t(originality) and function (quality) are valid constituents of generation\r\tis better supported by the construction of \r\t\r\t\r\tthe definition of creativity. It also suggests an apparent trade-\r\trather abstract and ambiguous representations and their \r\t\r\t\r\toff in the design process, where complementary rapid, flexible transformations\r\t(Buxton, 2007; Prats \r\t\r\t\r\trepresentation modes must be planned in the early stages of and Garner\r\t2006; Yang and Cham, 2007) Both \r\t\r\t\r\tideation. sketching and rapid model-making seem to support